How this calculator works
A lease sets an annual distance allowance and charges for every unit driven beyond it. The risk is easy to misjudge because the allowance is annual while the lease may run for 24, 36 or 48 months and the per-mile charge is applied at the end. This calculator scales the annual allowance to the full term, projects the final odometer from your current pace, and reports any excess and its charge. It also shows the monthly distance that would keep you inside the allowance for the rest of the lease. The distance unit is whatever you enter, so miles and kilometres both work as long as the allowance and the excess rate use the same unit.
Formula
Elapsed months = total term - months remaining. Total allowance = annual allowance × total term / 12. Projected distance = distance driven so far / elapsed months × total term. Projected excess = max(0, projected distance - total allowance). Projected charge = projected excess × excess rate. Distance per month to stay inside = (total allowance - distance driven) / months remaining.
Worked example
On a 36-month lease with 18 months left, 12,000 miles driven so far and a 12,000-mile annual allowance, the total allowance is 36,000 miles. Running 12,000 miles in 18 months projects to 24,000 miles at return, so no excess is due. To use the full allowance you would average 24,000 miles over the remaining 18 months, which is 1,333.33 miles a month rather than the current 666.67.
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Frequently asked questions
When is the excess charge applied?
Usually when the vehicle is returned, after an inspection. The lease contract states the charge and whether it is per mile or per kilometre.
Can I buy extra miles before the end?
Many lessors sell additional miles at a lower rate before the end of the lease. Compare that price with the excess charge in the contract rather than assuming the end-of-lease rate applies.
Does the projection assume a steady pace?
Yes. It extrapolates your average so far. A long trip or a change of commute would change the result, so revisit the estimate after any large change in driving.
Are there other end-of-lease charges?
Commonly yes: excess wear and tear, a disposition fee and cleaning. This calculator covers distance only.